King Charles is hosting the first Nigerian state visit to the UK for 37 years, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife Oluremi Tinubu receiving a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle.
At the start of the two-day visit, the leaders of the African nation with the biggest population—triple that of the UK—were greeted by senior royals including Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The King and President Tinubu will give speeches on Wednesday evening at the state banquet, attended by political leaders and prominent figures linked to Nigeria. However, no traditional lunch with the King will take place as President Tinubu is observing Ramadan.
In warm spring sunshine, the presidential couple donned traditional robes and received the full ceremonial grandeur of a royal welcome, which included a carriage procession and a military band performance.
President Tinubu and his wife were received by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, before they formally met King Charles and Queen Camilla. Inside the castle, they viewed Nigerian items from the Royal Collection, like a Yoruba throne and artwork, with the exchange of gifts symbolizing the partnership.
State visits like this are key to building international relationships, with Nigeria's government emphasizing the transition of a historic rapport to a modern economic partnership. The UK's Business and Trade Department noted that Nigeria's Zenith Bank had opened a branch in Manchester, creating local jobs.
Later, President Tinubu and his wife will lay a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II's tomb in St George's Chapel and participate in interfaith events, promoting unity in Nigeria.
Throughout their visit, discussions on security and the need for improvement in protecting vulnerable groups in Nigeria will also take place against a backdrop of international concerns regarding religion and security in the region.
